ESPN.com's annual "Big Book" ranked the top 200 players in the NFL as well as the best players at each position. The NFC North is well-represented on the former list, of which I can provide excerpts below. You'll find links to each position embedded in the original post. Each file requires an Insider subscription to read fully.

For those of you who asked why I haven't ranked NFC North players myself, this is why. We might as well let a trained scout do it. Consider the names below a more knowledgeable ranking than I could have come up with. Many of you will jump on the ranking that ESPN.com's Matt Williamson gave Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford. On that debate, well, you know how I feel. (I think.)